Release

UAlbany Center for Technology in Government Director Sharon Dawes Named to National Archives Advisory Committee

Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 21, 2005) -- Sharon Dawes, director of the University at Albany's Center for Technology in Government (CTG) has been named to the National Archives and Records Administration's (NARA) Advisory Committee on the Electronic Records Archives (ACERA). This committee advises and makes recommendations to the Archivist of the United States, Allen Winstein, on the development, implementation and use of the Electronic Records Archives (ERA) system.

Kenneth Thibodeau, director of the Electronic Archives Program, said "As we move forward to making the Electronic Records Archives a reality, it is more important than ever that we reach out to obtain advice from a broad spectrum of experts. The Advisory Committee will provide an ongoing structure for bringing together experts in computer science and information technology, archival science and records management, information science, the law, history, genealogy, and education."

NARA recently awarded a $308-million contract to the Lockheed Martin Corporation to build the ERA system. According to NARA, the ERA system will be a comprehensive, systematic, and dynamic means for storing, preserving, and accessing virtually any kind of electronic record, free from dependence on any specific hardware or software. ERA, when operational, will make it easy for NARA customers to find the records they want and easy for the National Archives to deliver those records in formats" suited to customer needs.

The Center for Technology in Government is an applied research center devoted to improving government and public services through policy, management, and technology innovation. The Center, located at the University at Albany, works with government to develop well-informed information strategies that foster innovation and enhances the quality and coordination of public services. CTG is recognized as a leader in the field of digital government. Most recently, the Center received an $800,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to work with the U.S. Library of Congress to develop strategies for states and territories to preserve state government digital information. For more information visit www.ctg.albany.edu.